Friday, May 9, 2014

I've been sewing but...

I've been sewing but don't have a lot to show for it.I don't rate my new skirt pictured a success, but it's not a failure either. The twist design is taught has part of Anita McAdam's skirt design course. To be honest I was playing around and may not have constructed it correctly. It is made from very cheap patterned ponte with a pull on elastic waist. The linen dress below is also self drafted from the block made for my daughter's formal outfit. She came home from university for a short visit and asked for a casual dress in linen. She choose the linen from my stash. I should have been more forthright in telling her it was not the right weight for a dress but she wasn't interested in the other options. The muslin fitted well, but the finished dress does not. I suspect the wrinkling across the back is caused by the lining and the fusible interfacing. I plan to add about 5mm to the hip seams in case the firm fit is pushing the fabric up. Readers' suggestions would be welcomed as my daughter loves the style.I've finally finished my jacket block and am working on design now. I'm also very involved in preparation for an upcoming sewcation with the Australian Sewing Guild.To make the most of the weekend, I need to have everything cut, interfacings applied and notions put together for each garment. I'm aiming for a set of three related garments over two days.

8 comments:

Sorry you are not happy with your skirt and does the shoulders need to be lifted in the back, does that help with the wrinkles. I'm so glad others are getting organised for the weekend, I need to get my act together :)

What I read what a lot of pattern drafting going on - that is so impressive. The front of the dress looks good so maybe some of the extra fabric in the back just needs to be pinched out? Looking forward to seeing your jacket.

Even though you aren't happy with the skirt, I do like the print very much. I agree with the others re: a shoulder adjustment for your daughter's dress (great color!). It looks like there is a bit too much length in the back. Have fun at the sewcation!

I like your daughter's dress a lot, you are a good mum! My thoughts, since you asked ;) I think a sway back adjustment is definitely a good idea. Fold a small horizontal "dart" in the pattern at the waist with the wide part of the "dart" at the CB seam and redraw the CB seam smoothly; also add a bit of width in the side seams at hip level to compensate. Also the V-back needs to be higher so her bra strap doesn't show

Hi Gail. I think your skirt looks great although the pattern does hide the design detail a little. Which twist was it? Also love the daughters shift dress. Think maybe you could reduce the back length a little. And the shoulders do seem wide but maybe thats a feature your daughter likes. :) Customer is king!

About Me

I learned to sew basic clothing at high school. When my children were young I sewed all their clothes and a few of my own. Then suddenly I got lazy. Now I'm done with paying outrageous prices for designer clothing for myself and my two daughters.